WASHINGTON, D.C. —The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting last week, awarded the Accreditation designation to 7 chambers of commerce for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.
“Accredited chambers are organizations that hold themselves to the highest industry standards. They are recognized for their work to create and expand business opportunities in their communities” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “Throughout the pandemic, these chambers continue to lead while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, value in programming and effective communications. They are commended for this great accomplishment.”
To achieve accreditation, a chamber must demonstrate quality programs, clear organizational policies, and effective procedures by meeting set standards in the areas of governance, finance, human resources, government affairs, program development, technology, communications, and facilities.
Local and regional chambers are rated “Accredited,” “Accredited with 3 Stars,” “Accredited with 4 Stars,” or “Accredited with 5 Stars.” State chambers are rated “Accredited State Chamber,” or “Accredited State Chamber with Distinction.” The final determination is made by the accrediting board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members, and chamber CEOs from across the country. The following chambers of commerce received accreditation:
Accredited with 3 Stars
- Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership, Seward, NE
Accredited with 5 Stars
- Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Topeka, KS
- Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Harrisburg, PA
- La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, La Porte, IN
- Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Opelika, AL
- Salt Lake Chamber, Salt Lake City, UT
- Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, Toccoa, GA
